Bloomberg makes case for gay marriage law

Mayor Michael Bloomberg iswarning state lawmakers that if they oppose legalizing gay marriagethey may be remembered as civil rights obstructionists.

Bloomberg argues in a speech Thursday that same-sex marriageshould be legalized. The New York City mayor equates those whostand against it with those who opposed the abolition of slaveryand fought against giving women the right to vote.

Bloomberg has been a vocal supporter of legalizing same-sexmarriage. He visited Albany earlier this month to lobby statelawmakers who are considering the issue. City Council SpeakerChristine Quinn, who is gay, accompanied him.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been pushing the Legislature to make gaymarriage legal, but well-funded conservative and religiousopposition has struck back.